Breast Reduction in Bergen County, NJ
The presence of excess breast tissue can cause a great deal of physical and emotional discomfort. For example, women with very large breasts usually suffer from chronic back pain and skin irritation below their bra straps. They also often feel self-conscious, struggle to find clothing that fits properly, and may avoid certain activities. Men dealing with gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts) also often feel self-conscious and may avoid certain activities, like exercise and going shirtless at the pool. Breast reduction surgery (known as reduction mammoplasty) permanently decreases the size of the breasts, creating improved mental and physical well-being for patients.
At Art Plastic Surgery, our board-certified surgeons, Dr. John T. Cozzone and Dr. Luis A. Zapiach, prioritize both functional and aesthetic outcomes, ensuring patients achieve relief from discomfort while enjoying natural-looking results. Are you ready to say goodbye to back pain and embrace a beautiful appearance? Book a consultation for breast reduction in Bergen County, NJ.
Our team is ready to help you navigate through the next steps of you booking your procedure. Contact us today!
About Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery is a procedure designed to remove skin, fat, and glandular tissue from the breasts in order to uniformly reduce their size. This operation can also improve the shape and symmetry of female breasts and make the areolas smaller, if desired. Women notice that after having a breast reduction, their breasts look rounder and perkier; premature sagging is also eliminated.
Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. John T. Cozzone and Dr. Luis A. Zapiach are experienced in performing several different types of reduction mammoplasty. The mammoplasty methods described below create different degrees of reduction, from a subtle decrease in breast size to a substantial modification of both breast size and shape.
Liposuction Only Breast Reduction
Liposuction removes fat from the breasts through a thin surgical tube called a cannula. Because breasts contain fatty tissue, this minimally invasive technique can make them visibly smaller without creating noticeable scars. Liposuction requires just one keyhole incision per breast.
However, you must note that this technique cannot be used to remove excess skin or reposition the nipples. It’s therefore usually used to treat enlarged male breasts or to reduce female breasts by one cup size or less.
Vertical (Lollipop) Reduction
The vertical technique is the most common method of breast reduction for women. During a vertical reduction, an incision is made around each areola and down the front of each breast, in a pattern resembling a lollipop. These incisions allow Dr. Cozzone and Dr. Zapiach to raise and reshape the areola while removing excess skin. Fatty tissue and glandular tissue are also removed during this procedure.
Inverted T (Anchor) Reduction
The inverted T breast reduction method is like the lollipop technique, with the addition of another incision within the crease under each breast. This anchor-shaped incision pattern allows our surgeons to dramatically reshape the patient’s breasts, greatly reducing their size when needed.
At Art Plastic Surgery, your comfort is our priority. Dr. Cozzone and Dr. Zapiach take the time to carefully review each patient’s needs during their consultation. Our doctors will listen to your medical and cosmetic concerns, then suggest the best breast reduction method for you. They’ll also provide you with a selection of before and after photos to help you visualize your results.
If you have any questions about breast reduction surgery, feel free to contact Dr. Cozzone or Dr. Zapiach directly, or review the FAQ provided on this page.
Signs You May Benefit From Breast Reduction
While breast size alone could be a contributing factor, several physical and lifestyle indicators suggest that breast reduction may be right for you:
- Chronic Pain: Persistent neck, shoulder, or back pain caused by breast weight.
- Skin Irritation: Rashes, infections, or chafing beneath the breasts.
- Posture Problems: Stooping or slouching to compensate for breast weight.
- Activity Limitations: Difficulty exercising, playing sports, or performing daily tasks comfortably.
- Clothing Challenges: Struggling to find properly fitting bras or clothing.
If these issues interfere with your daily life or well-being, a breast reduction surgery from our team in New Jersey may be the solution you are looking for.
Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction provides both physical and emotional benefits, including:
- Reduced Pain: Alleviates back, neck, and shoulder discomfort caused by excessive breast weight.
- Improved Mobility: Makes exercise, sports, and daily activities easier and more comfortable.
- Enhanced Posture: Promotes better spinal alignment and reduces strain on muscles.
- Aesthetic Improvements: Creates a balanced, proportionate breast size while preserving natural shape.
- Increased Confidence: Helps women feel comfortable in clothing, bras, and swimwear.
By combining functional relief with aesthetic refinement, breast reduction surgery can improve both quality of life and self-esteem. This procedure can also be accompanied by a breast lift or breast reconstruction for even more refined results.
Recovery and Aftercare
Proper recovery and post-operative care are essential for optimal results. Keep these factors in mind when preparing for your surgery:
- Initial Recovery: Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are common in the first 1-2 weeks.
- Activity Restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity, and upper-body strain for at least 4-6 weeks.
- Support Garments: A surgical bra or compression garment is typically worn to support healing and maintain breast shape.
- Follow-Up Visits: Regular appointments ensure proper healing and allow your surgeon to monitor progress and address any concerns.
- Return to Work: Many patients return to light activities or office work within 1-2 weeks, depending on individual healing and job demands. Following your surgeon’s instructions carefully is essential to minimize complications and support long-term results.
Breast Reduction FAQs
What Should I Expect During Recovery From Breast Reduction Surgery?
The length of the recovery period following breast reduction surgery varies depending on the surgical method that was used. Liposuction-only breast reductions usually require about one week of rest, but you can expect to spend ten to fourteen days resting after having a vertical or anchor lift. After two weeks, you’ll be able to return to work, and symptoms of swelling and bruising will subside. However, you’ll still need to avoid vigorous exercise and heavy lifting for another two to four weeks.
Our doctors will provide you with a supportive bra designed to help you heal and stay comfortable after your operation. You’ll need to wear this bra for about one month after having breast reduction surgery. You’ll also be given prescription pain medication to help you stay completely comfortable during recovery.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?
The ideal breast reduction candidate is an adult who is in good health, doesn’t smoke, and is close to his or her ideal weight.
Having breast reduction surgery can affect a woman’s ability to breastfeed, so you may want to wait until after you’ve had children to pursue this procedure. Alternatively, you can communicate your wishes to our surgeons, and they’ll do their best to customize your procedure to preserve your ability to breastfeed.
Will My Insurance Cover the Cost of Breast Reduction Surgery?
In some cases, breast reduction surgery is covered by medical insurance. If your breasts are causing severe physical discomfort or your breast enlargement is caused by a medical condition (like macromastia), you have a greater chance of securing insurance coverage.
When you visit our practice for a consultation, Dr. Cozzone and Dr. Zapiach will help you figure out the extent of the coverage offered by your policy. Even if your insurance doesn’t cover reduction mammoplasty, we can help you finance your procedure through a reputable third party like CareCredit. It’s our goal to make this life-changing procedure affordable to all our patients.
Will I Have Scars after Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery usually creates one visible scar below the areola. The rest of the scar tissue produced by this procedure will either be disguised by the lighter ring of tissue that naturally surrounds the areola or hidden within the creases under each breast.
If you feel your scars are too visible even a year after your procedure, you can return to Art Plastic Surgery for scar revision treatment. Dr. Cozzone and Dr. Zapiach use a mix of injectable compounds and laser skin resurfacing to flatten and fade raised scars.
Will a Breast Reduction Affect Nipple Sensation or Breastfeeding?
Most patients maintain nipple sensation, though temporary changes may occur. Breastfeeding may still be possible, but results vary depending on the surgical technique and tissue removal.
How Long Do the Results From Breast Reduction Surgery Last?
Results are long-lasting, though natural aging, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy can gradually affect breast size and shape.
How Is Breast Reduction Different From a Breast Lift?
While both a breast reduction and breast lift can improve the appearance of the breasts, they are designed to address different concerns. Breast reduction surgery focuses on removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to decrease overall breast size and relieve physical discomfort such as back, neck, and shoulder pain.
A breast lift (mastopexy), on the other hand, is intended to raise and reshape sagging breasts without significantly reducing their size. During a lift, excess skin is removed and the remaining tissue is tightened to create a firmer, more youthful contour. In some cases, the two procedures can be combined for patients who want both a reduction in size and improved positioning. During your consultation, Dr. Cozzone and Dr. Zapiach will evaluate your goals and recommend the approach that best suits your needs.
Arrange a Breast Reduction Consultation in Paramus, NJ
Living with the discomfort of large breasts can affect many areas of your life, from your physical health to your self-confidence. If you’re ready to seek a surgical solution for your discomfort, contact Art Plastic Surgery in Paramus, New Jersey, to arrange a consultation.